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CALEB SCHLAUDERAFF 6-4/310 Utah Senior 40: 5.20 (estimated)
PROS:
Has decent hand use and technique, able to deliver a punch in pass protection. Does a good job initiating contact in pass protection and plays with some pop as a run blocker. Able to get position and wall off defender. Shows ability to adjust in space with decent lateral quickness. Effective pulling and tends to hit his assignments. Can cut block on the second level to spring the runner.
CONS:
Lacks strength and tends to get pushed around in pass protection. Gets pushed back into pocket because he can't consistently lock on and anchor. Is a waist bender, and has tendency to get overextended and loses his feet and balance. Doesn't get much push as a run blocker and you cannot run behind him. Will miss some assignments as a zone blocker, particularly when the opposing team brings the blitz. Was flagged for a number of penalties in the games I saw.
OVERVIEW:
Schlauderaff was a four-year starter at left guard for the Utes. He's an undersized guy that will only look appealing to teams that prefer undersized zone blockers. He might have a brighter future at center, as there his flaws and limitations will be less exposed. His listed playing weight was 300, so it's a step in the right direction to see him a bit bigger at the all-star games.
NFL FORECAST:
Schlauderaff can compete in an Alex Gibbs-style zone blocking scheme, that prioritizes quickness, smarts, and cut blocking. But for most zone schemes, he'd probably be better off moving to center. He just can't match up against size at the college level, so he'll struggle even more in the pros. He flashes the tools and technique that make you think he can develop somewhat, but his technique needs to be very sound in order to overcome his size limitations. The best you can probably hope for is that for a zone-blocking team he can become a utility reserve that can play both guard and center. But unless he impresses teams with his work ethic and hits the ground running in his first camp, it's hard to see him sticking long-term because eventually they will bring in other players that have more upside because they are bigger and stronger. He projects as a career backup that might be a decent stopgap starter for a year or two down the road.
ATL FORECAST:
Unless the Falcons really wanted to see what he could do as a center would he really have any shot in Atlanta. But he doesn't bring anything to the table that Blake Schlueter didn't have, and because of his limited experience playing center and the Falcons preferring guys that can get more push at guard, he is a longshot even for the practice squad.
VALUE:
For a team employing a Gibbs-style scheme, then he might be worth a look late in the seventh to add some depth, but for most other teams he's an undrafted prospect.
SKILLS: 1-poor, 2-weak, 3-above average, 4-very good, 5-elite
Strength: 2.0 Pass Blocking: 2.5 Run Blocking: 2.0 Footwork: 2.5 Technique: 3.0 Mobility: 3.0 Mean Streak: 2.5
_________________ "Vincere scis, Hannibal, victoria uti nescis" -- Maharbal, 216 B.C.E.
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